Our History
Bias Incident Support Services (BISS) was originally created as the Hate Bias Response Program (HBRP) following the May 2017 murder of 1st Lt. Richard W. Collins III, a student at Bowie State University, by a University of Maryland student. Since that tragic day, we have worked with Dawn and Richard Collins, Richard's parents, to ensure that his name will be forever remembered and to dedicate ourselves to the eradication of hate in all of its forms.
The Joint President/Senate Inclusion & Respect Task Force was charged with identifying strategies to address hate, support impacted individuals, and foster a more inclusive campus environment. BISS became the reporting and support space for all UMD community members impacted by bias and hate.
The poem below, written by BISS director b.a. medina, formed part of the exhibit Rich With Love: A Decade of Remembrance, presented at the Stamp Gallery from October 15 through December 12, 2026. The exhibit was created in partnership with the Bowie State University-University of Maryland Social Justice Alliance in remembrance of Lt. Collins during the tenth year since he was murdered on UMD's campus.
Transitions
Lt. Collins speaks to me every day
He transitioned before we met in this life
Yet I channel his spirit the best that I can
He insisted that I call him Lieutenant at first
To honor his service to a country
Built on Black labor and lives
Sometimes, I visit his plaza near my office
We lock eyes and name hard truths about this world
Brainstorming ways to counter hate with love
I share stories from my own life with him
He listens intently, curious and smiling
We are very different yet are united with common purpose
When I met Mrs. Collins, I was drawn by her energy
A fierce storyteller, with a heart of gold
She refuses to let Richard’s memory fade
Mr. Collins speaks deliberately, with pained poise
White men took his father and son
And yet he reclaims his peace
Robyn exudes such joy and warmth
A little sister, grown up and wise
She carries a legacy rich with love
Beautiful humans, one and all
They never asked for this
All they want is their son and brother back
The monster said ‘step left, if you know what’s good for you’
Lt. Collins stood his ground
And our world transitioned
-- b.a. medina